A guide to the practice, history, and etiquette of budo, the study of Japanese martial arts for self-cultivation—written by an American martial arts master
 
The study of budo, or the Japanese martial arts for self-cultivation, is a lifelong path toward perfection of character. Here, Dave Lowry, a sword master who has practiced and taught budo for over forty years, addresses the myriad issues, vagaries, and inconsistencies that arise for students of karate-do, judo, kendo, kenjutsu, aikido, and iaido as their training develops. He examines such questions as:

• What is the relationship between the student and teacher, and what should one expect from the other?
• What does rank really mean?
• How do you correctly and sensitively practice with someone less experienced than you?
• What does practice look like as one ages?
• Why do budo arts put such an emphasis on etiquette?
• And many others

Lowry also gives practical advice for beginning and advanced students on improving structural integrity in posture and movement, focusing under stress, stances and preparatory actions before engaging with an opponent, and recognizing a good teacher from a bad one.

The study of budo, or Japanese martial arts for self-cultivation, is a lifelong path toward achieving perfect balance in body, mind, and spirit. Here, Dave Lowry, who has pursued that path for over forty years, addresses the myriad issues, vagaries, and inconsistencies that arise for students of karate-do, judo, kendo, aikido, iaido and other Japanese martial arts-classical and modern-as their training develops, including:

• What students and teachers should expect from each other
• The meaning of rank
• The importance of cardiovascular fitness in the martial arts
• How to correctly and sensitively practice with someone less experienced than yourself
• How to practice as you age
• The responsibilities that come with seniority and increasing skill
• The importance of etiquette and decorum in budo
• How to train with children

Lowry also gives practical advice on improving structural integrity in posture and movement; focusing under stress; stances and preparatory actions before engaging with an opponent; and telling a good teacher from a bad one. Both beginning and advanced students of Japanese martial arts will appreciate Lowry's take on the real issues and experiences that they encounter in practice.

"One of the most attractive aspects of this book is the humor. Mr. Lowry points out the sheer necessity of self-deprecation and humor, mellowing the inevitable mistakes and failings of both students and sensei. Mr. Lowry's debunking of myth, placement of budo where it belongs in a healthy life, and recommendations for picking a sensei are invaluable. If you or your child are contemplating Japanese martial arts training, buy this book."—San Francisco/Sacramento Book Review